Chicken Pasta with Lemon Basil

Chicken pasta with lemon basil is easy and even better it’s delicious. Packed with protein and flavor this meal is perfect for summer or after a workout

*I am in a partnership with Tyson Foods and while I was compensated for this post all opinions remain my own

This is a sponsored post with Tyson® Foods

The hubby and I have taken up a new workout, Title Boxing. It is crazy awesome. We get such a killer workout and we love that everyone is so busy trying to do it correctly and become better that no one is worried about how good or horrible everyone else is. That’s a big deal. I love seeing people getting better for themselves and not for anyone else. So, we work our tails off and then we get home and we are starving. We always want some good protein, a filling meal, but light enough that we don’t feel gross. Cue the Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta. We have been enjoying Tyson® Foods Grilled & Ready® Products to find the perfect meals for just these occasions.

Last week’s workout had just finished and we were hurrying home for dinner when I suddenly realized I had forgotten to prep dinner. Shoot! Now nothing was ready and we don’t get home until 7:00pm on Monday which is just too late to make something big. I thought about the Warm Honey Bacon Dressed Chicken or Asian Lettuce Boats since both of those use Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken, plus they are low in fat and nutritious (remember the Countdown to a Better You, that we are doing? You still have time to participate and we truly hope you do!), but I was missing key ingredients-mango, and lettuce for both. So there went that idea. For once, Mr. Handsome spoke up and requested pasta. Usually he’s so easy going that I just cook without asking or if I do ask he just says, “whatever you make will be delicious” well, that’s never helpful so I knew if he was going to make a request I was going to jump all over it.

Thankfully we still had a ton of the Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Strips, and a little basil, spinach, and lemon in the fridge. These are obviously all meant for each other, so the pasta dish came together quickly, especially because the chicken comes fully cooked. Everything was ready to eat and we were able to sit back and enjoy dinner as a family rather quickly. The girls loved the pasta, but especially the chicken. It was their favorite part. But that’s what I love about having a bag or two of the chicken in the freezer. I’m never stuck making unhealthy decisions when planning ahead didn’t happen.

And my favorite part? We loved this pasta served warm but it was equally delicious and flavorful cold as a pasta salad the next day for lunch. And, no cooking time needed so it’s perfect for school or work.

How Do You Prepare Quick and Guilt-Free Meals ?

We’d love to know what you do for quick weeknight meals that are still healthy and delicious, so please leave a comment. We love being inspired by all of you!

I love that quote about nothing tasting better than skinny feels. I may not agree completely with the word, “Skinny” because I think health should be based on how you feel not how you look, but the idea is great. Make better choices that will help you achieve your goals. We are all here cheering you on. “Get ‘er done!”

Will Pasta Cook In a Crock Pot?

Pasta can quickly turn into a mushy mess in the slow cooker.

If you are making a pasta sauce in the slow cooker and want to add the pasta, pour 1 cup of water plus the pasta into the crock pot when there is just 30 minutes left in the cooking cycle.

How Do You Know If Pasta Is Done?

The only real way to know if pasta is done is to taste it.

Pasta should be al dente, or firm to the taste.

The longer pasta cooks, the stickier and gummier it becomes.

If it is sticky enough to stick to the wall, it is over-cooked!

Does Basil Have Vitamin C?

Basil does have a small amount of Vitamin C, but it is packed with other beneficial nutrients.

Basil may have anti-inflammatory qualities.

Basil is a potent antibacterial.

Basil contains a wide range of essential oils.

Basil is also a very good source of vitamin A.